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Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology

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01-09-2009 | Glaucoma

Effect of epigallocatechin-gallate on inner retinal function in ocular hypertension and glaucoma: A short-term study by pattern electroretinogram

Authors: Benedetto Falsini, Dario Marangoni, Tommaso Salgarello, Giovanna Stifano, Lucrezia Montrone, Salvatore Di Landro, Laura Guccione, Emilio Balestrazzi, Alberto Colotto

Published in: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology | Issue 9/2009

Abstract

Background

Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) is a powerful antioxidant with suggested neuroprotective action. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of short-term supplementation of EGCG on inner retinal function in ocular hypertension (OHT) and open-angle glaucoma (OAG).

Methods

Eighteen OHT and 18 OAG patients (perimetric mean deviation: >−10 dB) were randomly assigned to assume oral placebo or EGCG over a 3-month period in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over design clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00476138). Pattern-evoked electroretinograms (PERGs) to 1.6 cycles/degree square-wave gratings, counterphased at 16 reversals/second, and standard automated perimetry (Humphrey 30–2) were assessed at the study entry (baseline), and after 3 months of placebo or EGCG.

Results

After EGCG, PERGs of OAG, but not OHT patients were increased in amplitude, compared either to baseline values (mean amplitude change: 0.06 log μV, p < 0.05) or to PERG amplitude values found in the same patients after placebo administration (mean change: −0.02 log μV, p not significant; difference between EGCG and placebo: 0.08 log μV, p < 0.05). In both OHT and OAG patients, standard automated perimetry did not show significant changes after either EGCG or placebo. In individual OAG patients, the magnitude of PERG amplitude increment after EGCG was inversely related (r = −0.8, p < 0.01) to corresponding baseline amplitudes.

Conclusions

Although this study cannot provide evidence for long-term benefit of EGCG supplementation in OAG, and the observed effect is small, the results suggest that EGCG might favourably influence inner retinal function in eyes with early to moderately advanced glaucomatous damage.

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Title: Effect of epigallocatechin-gallate on inner retinal function in ocular hypertension and glaucoma: A short-term study by pattern electroretinogram
Authors: Benedetto Falsini
Dario Marangoni
Tommaso Salgarello
Giovanna Stifano
Lucrezia Montrone
Salvatore Di Landro
Laura Guccione
Emilio Balestrazzi
Alberto Colotto
Publication date: 01-09-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology / Issue 9/2009
Print ISSN: 0721-832X
Electronic ISSN: 1435-702X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-009-1064-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Effect of epigallocatechin-gallate on inner retinal function in ocular hypertension and glaucoma: A short-term study by pattern electroretinogram

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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